Umm, yeah - we're all speaking from our own experiences though. I use SPD all week, and SPD-SL at weekends. I've a few miles on both.gaz said:I always love these kinds of threads, some mis-guided information.
For a few yards it's grand - for much more, I'd want to be in SPDs, personally, ymmv.Walking in SPD-SL's is hard for the first few times, but once you've been doing it for years it's easy peasy.
My personal experience is that SPD is easier. If you do miss on SPD-SL pedal and cleat are a bit too slippy to apply power to unclipped (ime, ymmv, etc) whereas SPD (MT41, M520) I find I can pedal away until I'm able to sort out the clip in (although M520s are harder to miss on).The one sided pedal clip in system is easy to use, a pain if you miss it but i can get in to it far quicker than most people with normal SPD's due to the larger target to aim for.
How many people use both? i wasn't pointing fingers at anyone in this tread for telling lies, it's not uncommon for people to come in and say 'it's impossible to walk in spd-sl's'.John the Monkey said:Umm, yeah - we're all speaking from our own experiences though. I use SPD all week, and SPD-SL at weekends. I've a few miles on both.
I've walked a few miles in my SPD-SL's before, didn't have a problem, don't find them uncomfortable.John the Monkey said:For a few yards it's grand - for much more, I'd want to be in SPDs, personally, ymmv.
No doubt about that, no way can you apply power if your not clipped in with SPD-SLJohn the Monkey said:My personal experience is that SPD is easier. If you do miss on SPD-SL pedal and cleat are a bit too slippy to apply power to unclipped (ime, ymmv, etc) whereas SPD (MT41, M520) I find I can pedal away until I'm able to sort out the clip in (although M520s are harder to miss on).
I'd sooner be in SPDs for that - of course, needs must and all that (I'm asusming you had to because of a mechanical?), but if the op knows that walking in their bike shoe is a necessity (e.g. because the shoe is for commuting & they have a fair walk between bike storage & work), they'd be better off with an MTB system from the start (imo etc).gaz said:I've walked a few miles in my SPD-SL's before, didn't have a problem, don't find them uncomfortable.
John the Monkey said:I'd sooner be in SPDs for that - of course, needs must and all that (I'm asusming you had to because of a mechanical?), but if the op knows that walking in their bike shoe is a necessity (e.g. because the shoe is for commuting & they have a fair walk between bike storage & work), they'd be better off with an MTB system from the start (imo etc).
Quite apart from comfort issues, the SL cleat is going to be damaged by walking on it.
good summary by John the Monkey. I do a lot of road biking including triathlons, and since I can cycle a full IM bike route without any discomfort (plus run in the SPD shoes during transitions) I have not succumbed to the real roadie shoes. Still slightly tempted just so I can try them out and see if there is any differencepedalling forces more concentrated in one area of the foot
gaz said:I always love these kinds of threads, some mis-guided information.
Walking in SPD-SL's is hard for the first few times, but once you've been doing it for years it's easy peasy. I imagine just like learning to walk in high heels (i have no experience with this)
The one sided pedal clip in system is easy to use, a pain if you miss it but i can get in to it far quicker than most people with normal SPD's due to the larger target to aim for.
On the road.. Either system is fine, it's just down to personal choice. But the difference is when your going off road. if you get any mud etc.. into the cleat of a SPD-SL, then your not going to be able to clip in, and you also won't have much grip to walk up hills etc.. This is where the SPD system is far greater.